EFCC Arraigns Austrian Over Failure to Declare N2.28bn Forex
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned an Austrian national, Kavlak Onal, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over his alleged failure to declare foreign currencies valued at ₦2.28 billion.
Onal was brought before Justice Yellim Bogoro on a two-count charge bordering on the non-declaration of $800,575 and €651,505.
Prosecuting counsel, Bilikisu Buhari, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences on December 13, 2025, during outward clearance at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, while travelling to Australia.
According to Buhari, operatives of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service arrested Onal after discovering the foreign currencies, which he allegedly failed to declare as required by law.
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The prosecution stated that the offences contravened Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2022, and are punishable under the same legislation.
When the charges were read to him, Onal pleaded not guilty.
Following his plea, the prosecution urged the court to remand the defendant at a Nigerian Correctional Service facility pending trial.
However, defence counsel, Sterlin Imhemuro, who appeared with Temilehin Olushola, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution. He requested that his client be remanded in EFCC custody pending the hearing of the bail application.
Responding, Buhari confirmed receipt of the bail application at about 9:03 a.m. on Friday and sought a short adjournment to study the application and file a response.
After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Bogoro adjourned the case to January 16, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded at a correctional centre pending the determination of his bail.
By PRNigeria
